Rwanda has become one of East Africa’s most convenient and rewarding safari destinations thanks to its compact size, excellent roads, and close proximity between national parks. This makes Rwanda the perfect country for travelers who want to explore wildlife, landscapes, and culture in a short amount of time. Whether you are a business traveler with limited time, a tourist connecting flights, or someone seeking a quick weekend adventure, 1-Day and 2-Day Safaris from Kigali offer the ideal opportunity to experience the best of Rwanda without long drives or complicated logistics.

These highly flexible safari options allow visitors to enjoy national parks such as Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Nyungwe Forest, Gishwati-Mukura, and even Lake Kivu, all within a schedule-friendly timeframe. From classic wildlife encounters to gorilla trekking, cultural heritage tours, forest walks, canopy adventures, birdwatching, and city experiences, Rwanda makes short trips exceptionally worthwhile.

This detailed guide highlights the top 1-day and 2-day safaris from Kigali, the experiences they offer, best itineraries, travel times, rare wildlife sightings, and key reasons why short safaris in Rwanda are becoming extremely popular among modern travelers.

Why Choose 1-Day and 2-Day Safaris from Kigali?

Short safaris are a top choice for travelers who want to explore Rwanda without committing to long multi-day itineraries. These quick trips offer exceptional value, flexibility, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

1. Quick Access to Top National Parks

Rwanda is uniquely compact, meaning you can reach its major attractions in just a few hours:

• Kigali to Akagera National Park: 2.5 hours

• Kigali to Volcanoes National Park: 2 hours

• Kigali to Gishwati-Mukura: 2.5 hours

• Kigali to Nyungwe Forest (closest gateway): 4.5 hours

• Kigali to Lake Kivu – Gisenyi: 3 hours

These short distances make 1-Day and 2-Day Safaris from Kigali extremely practical for all kinds of travelers.

2. Perfect for Business & Conference Travelers

Many visitors come to Rwanda for international events, conferences, or business meetings. A quick safari provides a refreshing break from the city and a chance to discover Rwanda’s natural beauty.

3. Affordable and Flexible Packages

Since accommodation and transport are minimal, short trips offer budget-friendly options while delivering high-quality experiences.

4. High Wildlife Density

Rwanda’s national parks—especially Akagera and Volcanoes—are incredibly rich in wildlife, meaning even short visits lead to outstanding sightings.

Top 1-Day and 2-Day Safaris from Kigali

Below are the most popular and rewarding 1-Day and 2-Day Safaris from Kigali, designed to maximize your experience in the shortest time possible.

1-Day Akagera National Park Safari – Big Five Adventure

The 1-day Akagera National Park Safari is Rwanda’s most popular short trip. Akagera is the country’s only savannah park and home to the Big Five—lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos.

Highlights of This 1-Day Safari

• Sunrise departure from Kigali

• Full-day game drive through savannah plains

• Chance to spot big cats, grazing herbivores, and birds

• Scenic views of lakes, hills, and wetlands

Wildlife You Can See

• Lions

• Rhinos

• Elephants

• Giraffes

• Zebras

• Hippos

• Crocodiles

• Antelopes

• Over 525 bird species

Why It’s a Top Pick

This is one of the most classic 1-Day and 2-Day Safaris from Kigali, offering maximum wildlife in minimal time.

2-Day Akagera National Park Safari – Game Drive + Lake Ihema Boat Trip

For those who want a more relaxed experience, a 2-day Akagera safari adds a boat safari and night in the park.

Highlights

• Afternoon game drive on Day 1

• Sunrise game drive on Day 2

• Boat trip on Lake Ihema

• Night wildlife sounds

• Excellent photography opportunities

Best For

Travelers who want more time to enjoy the Big Five and Akagera’s breathtaking landscapes.

1-Day Gorilla Trekking in Volcanoes National Park

Volcanoes National Park is just two hours from Kigali, making gorilla trekking the most rewarding short safari in the world.

Highlights

• Early departure from Kigali

• 1-hour magical encounter with mountain gorillas

• Breathtaking volcano landscapes

• Professional park rangers and trackers

Why Choose This Safari?

It is one of the most iconic 1-Day and 2-Day Safaris from Kigali, offering a life-changing wildlife experience in a single day.

2-Day Gorilla Trekking Safari – More Time to Explore the Mountains

For travelers who want a relaxed pace, the 2-day version adds:

• Overnight stay in Musanze

• Optional cultural visit (Iby’Iwacu Village)

• Optional visit to the Dian Fossey Fund

• Scenic tours of the Twin Lakes (Burera & Ruhondo)

1-Day Golden Monkey Trekking – Volcanoes National Park

If gorillas are fully booked or expensive for some travelers, golden monkeys offer an excellent alternative.

 Highlights

• Vibrant, playful golden monkeys

• Photography-friendly primates

• Easy to moderate trekking level

This is one of the best 1-Day and 2-Day Safaris from Kigali for primate lovers.

2-Day Golden Monkey + Cultural Experience Safari

Spend a night in Musanze and enjoy:

• Golden monkey trekking

• Cultural village visit

• Canoeing on River Mukungwa

• Kigali city tours on Day 2

1-Day Nyungwe Canopy Walk Safari – Forest Adventure

Though longer in driving time, Nyungwe is worth the journey.

Highlights

• Africa’s most famous canopy walkway

• Views of deep rainforest valleys

• Stop at King’s Palace Museum en route

• Over 320 species of birds

• Excellent photography opportunities

This is ideal for travelers seeking adventure-focused 1-Day and 2-Day Safaris from Kigali.

2-Day Nyungwe Forest Safari – Canopy + Chimpanzee Trekking

Nyungwe’s 2-day trip includes:

• Early morning chimpanzee trekking

• Afternoon canopy walkway

• Overnight at Nyungwe Top View Hill Hotel

• Optional waterfall hike (Kamiranzovu or Isumo)

This 2-day combination is one of Rwanda’s most satisfying short primate adventures.

1-Day Lake Kivu Tour – Boat Cruise & Beaches

Lake Kivu is perfect for travelers seeking scenic relaxation rather than wildlife.

Highlights

• Boat trip to Napoleon Island

• Birdwatching

• Coffee tours

• Lakeside relaxation

• Fresh fish lunch by the water

One of the top soft-adventure 1-Day and 2-Day Safaris from Kigali.

2-Day Lake Kivu & Volcanoes Combo

A very popular option combining:

• Day 1: Lake Kivu boat tour

• Day 2: Cultural visit in Musanze or Twin Lakes experience

1-Day Kigali City Tour – History, Culture & Local Life

Even within Kigali, travelers can enjoy a full cultural adventure.

Highlights

• Kigali Genocide Memorial

• Kandt House Museum

• Local markets (Kimironko)

• Kigali art galleries

• Mount Kigali viewpoints

Some travelers combine this city tour with evening dining, art walks, or nightlife experiences.

1-Day and 2-Day Safaris from Kigali for Birdwatchers

Rwanda is home to more than 700 bird species, making short birding tours incredibly rewarding.

Best Birding Destinations for Short Trips

• Kigali wetlands

• Akagera National Park

• Gishwati-Mukura

• Lake Kivu islands

These quick tours are perfect for photographers and ornithologists.

What to Expect on 1-Day and 2-Day Safaris from Kigali

Professional Guides

Certified guides with knowledge of wildlife, culture, and history.

Comfortable Travel

Modern 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for the best views.

Flexibility

Departures can be arranged any day of the week, customized to your timing.

What to Pack for Short Safaris

• Light clothing

• Comfortable shoes

• Sunscreen & hat

• Camera & binoculars

• Refillable water bottle

• Snacks for longer drives

Why Book 1-Day and 2-Day Safaris from Kigali with Universal Ventures Rwanda

Universal Ventures Rwanda offers the most reliable, well-organized, and flexible short safari experiences in the country.

What You Get

• Expert drivers

• Comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles

• Guaranteed park bookings

• Flexible scheduling

• 24/7 support

• Tailored itineraries for couples, groups & families

Whether you seek primates, wildlife, landscapes, or culture, our team ensures unforgettable 1-Day and 2-Day Safaris from Kigali.

Conclusion

Rwanda’s small size, excellent roads, and high wildlife density make it the best destination in East Africa for short safaris. From the Big Five of Akagera to the majestic mountain gorillas, Nyungwe’s rainforests, Lake Kivu’s beauty, and Kigali’s cultural richness, the country offers endless options for 1-Day and 2-Day Safaris from Kigali.

These short trips deliver big experiences—perfect for travelers with limited time who still want deep immersion into Rwanda’s nature, culture, and wildlife.